Hilary Duff and the cast of Younger are supporting the Violence Against Women Act, and it’s so important
The threat of domestic and sexual violence is still incredibly high for women and gender non-conforming people, but Congress has yet to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which works to prevent gender-based violence. Now, Hilary Duff and her Younger castmates are taking a stand for the bill with a public service announcement.
According to Glamour, which first reported on the PSA on June 25th, the gender equality organization United State of Women partnered with the Younger stars in order to create the PSA. In the 45-second video, the actors explain that women, transgender people, and nonbinary people face a greater risk of violence. They also explain that VAWA works to help all of these vulnerable groups—not just women.
Peter Hermann, who plays publisher Charles Brooks on the show, spoke to Glamour on behalf of the cast about their decision to share this important message. The Younger cast includes Sutton Foster, Hilary Duff, Miriam Shor, Debi Mazar, Molly Bernard, Nico Tortorella, Charles Michael Davis, and Hermann.
"Sutton, Hilary, Miriam, Debi, Molly, Nico, Charles, and I are honored to partner with the United State of Women and add our voices to the urgent call for the renewal of VAWA," Hermann said. "The issues that VAWA addresses—domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking—affect every community in America regardless of race, ethnicity, economic status, or gender identity. To withhold support, or to politicize what is really an issue of human rights, is reprehensible and primitive. We cannot urge you strongly enough to make your voices heard with ours."
As The New York Times notes, President Bill Clinton signed VAWA into law in 1994, but Congress has to reauthorize the law every few years. In December 2018, Congress failed to renew the legislation. Since then, it has been a struggle to find a version of the law that will please both parties. The House of Representatives passed a new version of VAWA in April, which added provisions to prevent domestic abusers from purchasing guns. But the NRA has pushed back on the law because of the new gun control provision, and Senate Republicans have yet to reauthorize VAWA.
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, one in three women will experience rape, physical violence, or stalking from a partner in their lifetime. It’s clear that we need to reauthorize VAWA, and we’re glad the Younger cast is taking a stand on this issue. If you feel strongly about this issue, contact your senators and tell them to renew this important legislation.
